What is a primary risk of pesticide over-application?

Pesticide over-application primarily leads to environmental contamination, which poses significant risks to ecosystems, water sources, and non-target species. When pesticides are applied in excess, they can run off into nearby water bodies, impacting aquatic life and affecting the quality of drinking water. This contamination can also harm beneficial organisms in the soil, disrupt food webs, and contribute to biodiversity loss.

In addition, over-application can lead to pesticide resistance among pests, resulting in higher pest populations in the long run, contrary to the intention of pest management. While increased costs and limited pesticide availability may also be consequences of inefficient use of pesticides, the immediate and pressing concern is the potential for environmental damage, which can have lasting implications for both human health and ecological stability.